Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing former Liverpool transfer target Ben Chilwell from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from The Sun, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are set to raid Leicester City in the summer for the signing of promising England left-back Ben Chilwell. The 22-year-old was also chased by City’s title rivals and current league leaders Liverpool.
Chilwell, a product of the Leicester City youth academy, has established himself as one of the finest young full-backs in the country over the past year. The 22-year-old made his Premier League debut back in October 2016 itself, but only became a regular in the first-team after Claude Puel took over, dislodging the experienced Christian Fuchs as the first-choice.
The 22-year-old has featured in all but one Premier League games for the Foxes this term, chipping in with three assists. His exploits with Leicester saw him break into the England national team, making his debut in September last year, following which he has featured in four more matches.
Chilwell’s performances have managed to catch the eye of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who is believed to have had the 22-year-old scouted on a number of occasions this season. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss is keen on adding another left-back to his ranks, as Benjamin Mendy has struggled with injuries all year, making just nine league appearances.
Danilo has blown hot and cold over the course of the season, forcing Guardiola to use the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back on several occasions.
Moreover, the reigning champions have just four homegrown players in their Premier League squad at the moment. And that is something that Guardiola wants to address, given that clubs are allowed to name only 17 non-homegrown players in their 25-man squad.
Liverpool also had their eyes set on Chilwell sometime ago, as Jurgen Klopp eyed to strengthen the left-back area in his squad. But, the consistent performances of Andrew Robertson, coupled with James Milner putting in admirable displays as a makeshift full-back when called upon led to the Reds’ interest in Chilwell waning over time.
However, Alberto Moreno is in the final leg of his contract with Liverpool and could be on his way out Anfield in the summer. This development could lead to the Merseyside outfit rekindling their interest in the five-time capped England international and rivaling Manchester City for his signing.
Chilwell penned a new contract with Leicester in October last year, extending his stay at the King Power Stadium till the summer of 2024. And the Foxes are likely to demand a transfer fee in excess of £50 million, should Manchester City decide to act on their interest in the summer window.
Chilwell is an immensely talented footballer and has a bright future ahead of him. With a giant like Manchester City taking an interest in him, it remains to be seen if he remains a Leicester City player come next season.
